Last fall, for the first time in decades, NBC did not air a comedy series at 8 p.m. any night of the week. It was a big change for the network that rose to power on the back of its “Must-See TV” comedies. This year, comedy is back at 8 p.m. On one night. Friday night. And that comedy will air live. Every week.

That’s an example of the strange new reality facing NBC, which hopes new procedural dramas, some old favorites and a variety show of all things will give it an edge with viewers.

Rating juggernaut “The Voice” returns to Mondays, leading into new series “Blindspot,” starring Jaimie Alexander (Lady Sif from the “Thor” films) as a woman with no memory of who she is but a body full of fresh tattoos that somehow help the FBI solve crimes. Sullivan Stapleton and Marianne Jean-Baptiste co-star.

After a second “Voice” on Tuesdays is “Heartbreaker,” a medical drama about a boundary-pushing and rule-breaking heart-transplant surgeon with the requisite messy personal life and professional roadblocks. Dave Annable, D.L. Hughley and Jamie Kennedy co-star.

At 10 p.m. Tuesdays, “Chicago Fire,” will be back in November, but until then, Neil Patrick Harris revives the network variety show. “Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris” will include the host’s signature musical numbers and live performances, but also skits, pranks and, knowing Harris, probably a magic trick or two.

Wednesday looks just like last fall, with “The Mysteries of Laura” leading into “SVU” and “Chicago P.D.”

Thursday will see the return of “Heroes,” with original cast members Jack Coleman and Masi Oka returning in “Heroes Reborn.” Like its predecessor, this show will examine the struggle between people discovering their enhanced abilities and those who would destroy or control them. Other cast members include Zachary Levi, Judith Shekoni, Ryan Guzman Eve Harlow and Gatlin Green.

After “The Blacklist” will be “The Player,” a Vegas-set drama starring Philip Winchester (“Strike Back”) and Wesley Snipes. Winchester plays a security expert who becomes a pawn in a game among high-powered gamblers.

Charming comedy “Undateable” will return for a third season of all-live episodes and air at 8 p.m. Friday, leading into the new ensemble comedy “People Are Talking” starring Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Tone Bell as outspoken best friends and neighbors.

Among the shows on deck for midseason is the return of “Coach,” the workplace comedy “Superstore” starring America Ferrara, apocalyptic comedy “You, Me and the End of the World” with Rob Lowe, and franchise extension “Chicago Med” with Oliver Platt and S. Epatha Merkerson.